Chapter 9 – She’s Not Worthy, But Are You?

Lin Banxia wanted to say that she had seen plenty of men’s bodies before—those video apps always pushed her that kind of content. Some of the streamers had even video-called her.

But of course, she couldn’t actually say that out loud.

Lin Banxia said: “That’s right. I saw them while giving someone a physical examination. What’s wrong? Are you jealous?”

There was a mischievous glint in her eyes, like a fox that had just gotten its way.

Gu Shiqing didn’t want to admit that when he heard Lin Banxia say she had seen other men’s bodies, a wave of jealousy had indeed surged in his heart.

“No such thing.” he replied curtly.

Then he immediately changed the subject. “Although the investigation team didn’t find anything today, this matter won’t be so easily resolved. I’m heading out to look into it. If we can find out who reported us, there might still be a turning point.”

“Alright, then go ahead. I’m going to take a nap.” Lin Banxia nodded, let out a yawn, and waved him off.

Gu Shiqing walked to the door but turned back to ask: “Does traditional Chinese medicine always require the patient to take off their clothes during examination?”

Lin Banxia: “…”

This time, she was the one left speechless.

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On the other side, Zhou Shiyu had specially made a trip to her uncle’s house. Her uncle lived in the same military compound, which made it convenient for her to gather information about the Gu Family.

However, as an unmarried young lady of good reputation, it was quite bold of her to go straight to her uncle to ask whether Lin Banxia had eloped with another man the night before.

Zhou Shiyu said: “Uncle, I think I saw Battalion Commander Gu return from the base this morning. Did something happen to the Gu Family?”

Uncle Zhou replied: “Yes, something big happened. It stirred up quite a commotion.”

Even the investigation team showed up—how could it not be a big deal?

Zhou Shiyu said: “With something like that happening, Battalion Commander Gu must be furious.”

Uncle Zhou replied: “Of course. I didn’t see him myself, but with something this serious, do you think he could possibly be in a good mood?”

Gu Shiqing’s father had been reported. Everyone was speculating that it must’ve been someone they knew. Professor Gu had worked at the Research Institute for more than half his life. After something like this, how could Gu Shiqing possibly stay calm? If he ever found out who filed the report, that person would be in big trouble!

Zhou Shiyu let out a sigh. “Sigh, what an unfortunate family.”

Uncle Zhou sighed too. “Who isn’t saying that?”

From this conversation, Zhou Shiyu was now certain that Lin Banxia had eloped with Chen Junming the night before. Otherwise, how could such a ruckus have happened in the Gu Family?

What a pity for Gu Shiqing—such an outstanding man, yet he ended up with a woman like Lin Banxia, who was blind and fickle.

Even though she had intentionally arranged for Chen Junming to approach Lin Banxia, she didn’t feel any guilt. In her mind, if Lin Banxia hadn’t already had that intention, no matter how much Chen Junming tried, could he have succeeded?

When it came down to it, Lin Banxia just couldn’t keep herself in check.

But perhaps it was for the best that Lin Banxia turned out to be such a wicked woman. That way, she would clear the way for Zhou Shiyu. Otherwise, she might have spent her entire life fated yet unattached to Gu Shiqing.

At that thought, Zhou Shiyu’s mood improved immensely. She didn’t even mind her aunt’s usual sarcastic remarks.

After leaving her uncle’s house, Zhou Shiyu didn’t return home right away. Instead, she lingered at the entrance of the compound.

After standing under the blazing sun for nearly an hour, she finally saw Gu Shiqing’s figure appear at the gate of the compound!

“Battalion Commander Gu!” Zhou Shiyu approached him joyfully.

She was no longer wearing the same clothes as in the morning. The moment she learned that Gu Shiqing had returned, she rushed home and changed into a crimson cheongsam-style dress.

It was a dress she had spent an entire month’s salary to buy at the Friendship Store. It was the last one in stock, and she had gritted her teeth to purchase it.

Not only that, in order to look more presentable in this dress, she had even applied skin-whitening powder to her face. Overall, she was satisfied with her appearance, but always felt she wasn’t fair enough. After applying the powder, her complexion looked much lighter.

People always said fair skin could hide a hundred flaws. She believed that her whitened complexion definitely made her look much more attractive than before.

Of course, that was only her opinion.

Gu Shiqing’s expression darkened the moment he saw Zhou Shiyu.

He hadn’t forgotten how she had slandered Lin Banxia in front of him earlier that morning.

Fortunately, he wasn’t someone who believed rumors at face value. He hadn’t brought it up after returning home. Otherwise, if Lin Banxia had heard what Zhou Shiyu said, she might’ve been furious.

After all, upon learning that the Zhou Family was in trouble, Lin Banxia had not tried to escape. Instead, she came up with ways to protect the family—hiding valuables, important books, and even notebooks with political slogans to keep the investigation team from discovering anything.

And then she used her medical skills to save his father.

Each and every one of these actions—any one of them taken alone—was enough to earn his gratitude and trust.

Seeing the stern look and fury on Gu Shiqing’s face, Zhou Shiyu mistakenly thought it was because of Lin Banxia.

She tried to appear gentle and considerate as she comforted him: “Battalion Commander Gu, don’t be upset over a woman like Lin Banxia. She’s not worthy—”

“Shut up!” Gu Shiqing snapped sharply.

Everyone in the army said he was harsh, and it was because he treated male and female comrades equally. Other officers tended to soften their tone when dealing with women, but not Gu Shiqing.

Even if a female soldier made a mistake, he would scold her as sternly as he would a man. He couldn’t care less about gender.

Just like now, Gu Shiqing’s expression turned icy as he barked again: “Lin Banxia is my wife. She’s not worthy? Then are you? You’re a military nurse, which makes you a soldier. As a soldier, you dare to slander a military family member? If we were on base, I’d immediately report you to your commanding officer and make sure you’re properly disciplined! Let me remind you again—Lin Banxia is my wife. If you dare slander her again, I will pursue this to the end!”

With that, Gu Shiqing shot Zhou Shiyu a stern warning look, then turned and walked away without a hint of hesitation.

It was only then that he noticed Zhou Shiyu was wearing the same dress that Lin Banxia had worn earlier. But on different people, the same dress gave off entirely different impressions.

When Lin Banxia wore it, she looked like a fairy.

As for Zhou Shiyu—

Gu Shiqing couldn’t even be bothered to make a comment.

Zhou Shiyu stood frozen in place, staring at Gu Shiqing’s retreating figure. Her body began to tremble uncontrollably, and tears fell from her eyes before she could stop them.

She had never expected Gu Shiqing to speak to her like that.

Though he hadn’t struck her, his attitude and words felt no different from being whipped.

What had happened?

Hadn’t Lin Banxia already eloped with Chen Junming?

Then why was Gu Shiqing still defending her like that just now? Wasn’t this the exact moment he should hate her to the core?